The governing body responsible for overseeing high school sports in California has decided to adjust its competition guidelines for this weekend’s state track and field championships. This change aims to facilitate greater participation from female athletes among the backdrop of discussions around the inclusion of a trans student-athlete in sporting events.
In response to former President Donald Trump posting a statement on social media about the matter, the California Interscholastic Federation announced plans to extend opportunities for more “biological female” athletes to participate in the championship meet. Under the new pilot process, any self-identified female student-athlete who would have secured a qualifying mark for their region’s automatic qualifying entries but fell short in the finals had the opportunity to compete at this year’s state track and field championships.
The federation stated that they believe this approach will achieve the equitable participation opportunities they aim to offer their students. However, the extent of the rule changes, particularly whether they apply to all events or only those where a trans athlete has qualified, and the expected number of participants to be affected by the change, remains unclear as the organization did not provide this information.
This move stands in contrast to a national trend where states are enacting laws to restrict the participation of trans girls and women in female sports competitions. An AP-NORC poll indicates that a majority of American adults hold the view that trans female athletes should not compete in girls and women’s sports at the high school, college, or professional levels.
Trump had threatened to withhold federal funding from California should the state continue to allow trans students to compete in girls’ sports. He cited AB Hernandez, a trans athlete set to compete in multiple events at the state finals, as an example. The Trump administration’s stance extends beyond California, with an ongoing investigation into a Maine law that prevents mandatory parental notification when a student changes their gender identity at school.
California Governor Gavin Newsom previously voiced opposition to the participation of trans girls in girls’ sports. However, without taking a clear stance on legislative proposals, the position on the matter remains complex. Several Democratic state lawmakers have also blocked bills aimed at barring trans girls from sports teams.
Hernandez has been at the center of debate and has faced criticism and harassment from opponents. Despite this, Hernandez has said that they focus on their own performance rather than the actions of others.
The Jurupa unified school district, where Hernandez’s high school is located, stated that it will continue to adhere to state law, which allows trans student-athletes to compete on teams that align with their gender identity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/27/california-trans-student-high-school-sports-rule-change
